The Yobe government, in collaboration with malaria partners, has commenced an integrated campaign, combining Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention and Insecticide-Treated Net distribution to curb malaria transmission across the state.

Lawan Mustapha, the Damaturu local government health promotion officer, said on Sunday in Damaturu that the campaign is to reduce malaria cases among children under five years and pregnant women.

He said the integration of SMC and ITN distribution would save cost and ensure wider reach by using shared logistics and mobilisation structures.

He added that “the 2025 integrated SMC and ITN campaign aims to protect every household and child against malaria during peak transmission season”.

Mr Mustapha explained that the initiative was being implemented by the Yobe government, in collaboration with the National Malaria Elimination Programme, Catholic Relief services and Malaria Consortium, with funding support from Global Fund.

“The household registration and administration of Cycle 4 of SPAQ will run from October 18 to October 21, while the ITN distribution will hold between November 7 and November 10 at designated distribution points,” he said.

He urged caregivers to ensure their children complete the three-day malaria prevention drug dose after taking the first under Direct Observed Therapy.

The officer stressed that the campaign success depends on household participation and adherence to malaria prevention practices such as proper use and maintenance of the treated nets.

Implementing partners also encouraged residents to bring their old, damaged mosquito nets to collection points for proper disposal, warning that improper disposal could harm the environment.

The implementing partners also reminded residents that the token slip issued during household registration remains the only valid document for redeeming a new net, therefore, the token slips should be kept safe because no token, no net.

At Unguwan Hassan Yusuf in Gonge area of Damaturu, one of the distributors, Hafsat Abubakar, said the exercise commenced at 7:30 a.m., and her team had visited more than 15 households without any challenge.

She said, “We are targeting as many households as possible before the day ends.”

A beneficiary, Kaltum Modu, expressed gratitude for the intervention, describing it as timely.

She added that the programme came at the right time “when mosquitoes are everywhere”.

“I thank the Yobe government and partners for this effort. I urge other households to cooperate with the teams for everyone’s benefit,” Ms Modu.

(NAN)